***
***
Chapter the first
***
***
Buffy stood nervously in her living room. The house was completely empty, which only added to her worries. It meant there was no distractions whatsoever. She was completely alone with her thoughts. All of which revolved round the earlier phone conversation with Giles. He had sounded so worried, so nervous, and it's his state of mind had been passed onto her. He was after all her watcher, and so would no doubt hold some influence over her. His whole mannor on the phone gave her a sense of dejavoo, last time he had been this worried was when he had found out about the prophecy of her death. And it terrified her.
She had tried everything to take her mind over what he wanted to see her about, because thinking about it always led to the same conclusion. Another prophecy. It all seemed to fit, she had had her time, 20 years old was ancient for a slayer, she had survived once. No, she had survived a thousand times. But this could be her time. She tried to take her mind off of it, but couldn't.
She decided to turn to the only person who had been able to help her during her last prophecy, picking up the phone, she dialled Xanders number.
"Xan... Yeah I'm fine"
how does he always know when I'm in trouble.
"No it's just... Yeah, could you. See you in a while... No let Will do what she had planned."
He'll make sure it's all right
***
***
After what seemed like hours, Xander finally pulled up in his brand new (Note(1): brand new to him) second hand car (Note(2): Now you see why note one was important), though she didn't see him pull up, she knew it was him, the sound was so characteristic, as it drove the engine made thumping noises, and when it stopped there would be a high pitched whistle before it conked out. (Yes, the car is based on mine; the stupid piece of crap). Buffy leapt up, and ran to the door, opening it before Xander even had time to ring the door bill.
Xander: Whoa, easy with the door there Buff... Don't forget that slayer strength.
Buffy: Sorry
Xander: Well it's not me you should be sorry with, but inanimate objects such as doors, tables and Riley Finns. You don't want to be called 'Buffy the inanimate object slayer' do you, it just doesn't have the same ring to it.
Buffy grinned at him.
Buffy: Xander, Riley left months ago. I can't believe you're still ridiculing him.
Xander: It's good, see it shows I can keep focused on a task for long periods of time. It's one of my better traits.
Buffy: Yep, don't ever change Xan.
Xander: You liked that huh? Well you should see some of the material I still have on Angel, and that was years back.
Xander stepped into the door, which in any other town would be rude, but in Sunnydale is standard procedure, at least for the smart... which actually meant it wasn't standard procedure, because the 'smart' bit ruled out a good 90% of Sunnydales population comprised of the stupid, the ignorant, and the naive.
Xander: So are you gonna tell me what's up, or am I gonna have to bribe you.
Buffy: Well I was gonna just tell you, but now you mention bribery I can't help myself.
Xander: Once a criminal, always a criminal. Now you can add bribery to your long, long list of crimes.
Buffy: All of which I was cleared for by the way.
Xander: Even the demoncide?
Buffy: No, not that... But it's pending decision.
Xander: I get ya, can't prosecute if there are no witnesses.
Buffy: Exactly... No what does this bribery consist of?
Xander: You, Me, hot sweaty...
Buffy: Don't even finish that sentence.
Xander: What, I was going to say training... I was going to let you beat me up, cause we both no Giles is past it.
Buffy: Sure you was.
Xander: Okay, you caught me. I can't stop thinking about hot, sweaty karate sessions... I was going to take up self defence classes.
Buffy thought about this seriously.
Buffy: You know Xand, if you're going to keep diving into all these battles we have, it might not be a bad idea to learn to fight.
Xander looked horrified, his eyes widened, and his skin palled considerably. If he hadn't crossed the threshold without an invite, Buffy would have thought he was a vampire.
Xander: Self... defence... classes?
Buffy nodded.
Xander: Self defence classes?
Buffy: Yeah, I was thinking ninjitsu, or Kung-Fu, or Tai boxing.
Xander: Tai... Boxing... Ninjitsu.
Buffy nodded again, trying to keep her face serious.
Buffy: No that we've covered what you're going to do, what do you think.
Xander: We are talking about the same things here... self defence classes where people puch, and hit, and kick?
Buffy: Or you could really take Giles place in training with me.
Xander (all to quickly): Kung-Fu it is then.
Buffy: Good, and when you get better, then you can help me train.
Xander: Okay, is there anyway I can win here.
Buffy thought it was time to let Xander off the hook. That would teach him for all the sexual innuendo he made about them... But did she really want him to stop... After all, it made her feel sexy. He made her feel sexy. No, she didn't want it to stop... She was just teasing him.
She began walking over to the couch signalling Xander to go with her.
Buffy: Relax Xan. I was kidding about the self defence lessons. I know thats not your thing.
Xander seemed relieved, that he didn't have to do the karate, letting out a breath he had been holding in, and noticeably relaxing a bit. But then actually registered what she had actually said.
Xander: Hey... I take offence to that. I just so happens that I would make a good ninja.
At that exact moment Xander tripped over a discarded bucket which had been left in the middle of the room, falling ungraciously, and noisily to the floor, landing flat on his arse.
Xander: Ow, stupid bucket.
Buffy: You know ninjas are supposed to be stealthy?
Xander: Hey, even Angel would have fallen over that thing. It's a death trap.
Buffy: It's a bucket.
Xander: It almost killed me, therefore it's a death trap.
Buffy: I'll tell my mum to put out a skull and crossbones sign next time.
Xander scooted over to where Buffy was sitting, looking into her grinning face, and her lively eyes. There was something wrong. He could always tell when there was something wrong with her. Her eyes gave her away, whenever she was worried they would show it. He sat next to her, ready to be the comforting friend he always was. Never expecting anything more.
Xander: Wanna tell me what's wrong.
Buffy looked straight back into his eyes. Green locked against brown. Both looking deep into each other.
Several thoughts ran through her head
Wow, I had actually forgotten all about it for five whole minutes
How does he always know
Buffy: Well... Wait, I'm still waiting for my payment.
Xander: I can pay cash.
Buffy: How much you have on you
Xander: Well I have a grand total of...
Dipping his hands in his pocket pulling out a few coins, and some notes.
Xander:... Two dollars... and a penny... Paper money
He flexed the dollar notes like a child would to emphasis his point of 'real paper money'.
Buffy: Which I will take
Xander: ...and a chocolate bar... Wow. I didn't know I had that
He quickly opened the packet, and stuffed half the chocolate bar in his mouth, chewing noisilly on the yummy treat.
Buffy: Ewww, Xander, how long has that been in there.
Xander: I dunno, three, four weeks.
Buffy: That's disgusting.
Xander: No, no, it's clean, it's been in the wash... Twice infact.
Buffy made a disgusted face.
Xander offered her the other half of the chocolate which Buffy frantically tried to push away from her, and out of her space.
Xander: You sure... Tastes like washing powder.
Buffy shook her head.
Buffy: I'll think I'll pass.
Xander looked at her, trying to convince her to take it.
Xander: You sure... I don't offer my chocolate to just anyone... Last chance, going once, going twice. Too bad, all the more chocolaty goodness for me. He stuffed the remaining chocolate in his mouth, and gave Buffy the two dollars.
Xander: Ha hoo gon tell he hots wong?
Buffy: Will you finish your food before you speak... You eat like an animal.
Xander swallowed the remaining chocolate bar.
Xander: Are you my mother? I don't think so, I'll eat how I want to eat, and if you don't like it, you should have taken the chocolate bar.
Buffy:
Xander: So what's wrong Buff. Why'd ya call me over.
Buffy sighed, before she told him.
Buffy: Well Giles phoned this morning.
Xander was going to interrupt, making a joke about it, but decided against it. Buffy was going to tell him what was wrong, and then he would make it better. She didn't need him interrupting.
Buffy: He seemed, so... worried... so on edge.
Xander: Giles is always up tight... He's British, it's what the do. (Authors note: We do not. It's all lies made up by hippies and druggies, cause everyone's uptight compared to them.)
Buffy: No, this was different. This was... I dunno. He just seemed so... Like when I was prophesised to die.
Xander looked shocked. He didn't even want to think about that. He still feared that day, it still haunted his memories. And he wouldn't even entertain another day like that. Buffy couldn't die now. She'd lived too long. He wouldn't let it happen.
Xander: Buff, I don't think it's that. I really don't, it would be too evil. Once, it happened. But no way twice. And if it is, we'll get through it, just like last time. I wouldn't let anything happen to you then, and I won't let it happen to you now. But I really, really don't think it is Buff.
Buffy: So you just think it's something else... Like me being paranoid?
Xander: We'll yes... No... Is there a correct answer to this? No I don't think you're paranoid. Yes I do think it's something else.
Buffy: Like what?
Xander: Like I dunno... Maybe Giles is dating you're mum.
Buffy smiled, more then smiled, she was almost giggling at the thought of Giles having a life, of Giles dating... Her mother. Her giggling stopped. She hit Xander lightly, on the arm, lightly for a slayer that is, the blow sent flying to the floor, lying in a heap on the ground.
Buffy quickly jumped to her feet to go to him.
Buffy: Xander, Xander, are you all right?
Xander: I think I'm dying.
Buffy: Serves you right. It's not fun to remind me of that magic candy incident. Making me think of Giles and my Mum... Ewww.
Xander: But it cheered you up... My work here is done... I must go save another damsel in distress.
Buffy: That would suit you wouldn't it Xan being a super hero
Xander nodded eagerly.
Buffy: Beating the bad guys?
Xander nodded again. A little more exitidly then last time.
Buffy: ... saving helpless women?
Xander: Yes.
Buffy: Always getting the girl?
Xander: Double yes.
Buffy: Who is always so hot and bothered, and so adamant about repaying the superhero in whatever way he so chooses?
Xanders answered continued to become increasingly spirited
Xander: Yes, yes, and yes again.
Buffy: Wearing tights, and having a gay sidekick?
Xander: God Yes.... I mean No...
Buffy cracked up laughing
Xander: Hey, that wasn't fair... You tricked me... Hey, I am a manly man, I would never ever wear tights... except when I'm cross dressing, but that's all business... Hey stop laughing at me
Buffy just continued laughing, for the first time in that day se felt good. She felt as if nothing could go wrong. Xander had dispelled her fears about what Giles had wanted to talk to her about. She had been right to call Xander. He was probably the only person who could make her feel better when she was in a hole. She had had a choice between Willow, Dawn, Spike?? and Xander. And she stood by her decision.
Good call
Nothing could go wrong.
A very important lesson was learned that day.
Never, ever, ever, in a million years, in any way whatsoever jinx yourself.
***
***
Chapter the second
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***
Giles chose that moment to enter the house. And the fact he had gotten in suggested something was wrong. For a start it wasn't his house. And secondly, he didn't have a key.
Following closely behind him, very closely behind him, so close behind him infact, that if they were physically closer, they would be the same person. Hand in hand, was her mother.
Dawn followed them in, and quickly went to her room, out of harms way from the blood bath that would follow.
Buffy looked completely dazed, not quite taking it all in, then she looked angrily at Xander, who whispered back to her.
Xander: I didn't know... I'm gone.
Buffy answered dominantly
Buffy: Sit down Xander.
Giles and Joyce nervously sat down in front of Buffy.
Giles looked from Xander, to Buffy before speaking, or squeaking. He was so nervous he had no voice with which to speak. He had to cough a few times to get out what he had to say, and even then it was, fragmented.
Giles: Buffy, I (cough)... thought (cough)... I wanted to talk to you alone.... I though I asked only you be here.
Buffy: What's this, you've become a hypocrite all of a sudden. I see you brought a partner.
Giles: ...I...
Xander: I'm out of here. See you all...
Buffy: Sit.
Giles: Xander go.
Buffy: Sit down now.
Joyce(to Xander): We need to speak to Buffy alone.
Buffy: Stay.
Giles & Joyce: Go
Xander: Observe the human yo-yo.
Giles: Will you be serious for a moment.
Buffy (angrily To Giles): Don't shout at him.
Joyce: Don't speak to Rupert in that tone.
All eyes fell on Xander. Who sat there nervously. He fidgeted under there watchful eyes.
Xander: What?
Buffy: It's your turn.
Xander: My turn to what?
Buffy got a little angrier
Buffy: To defend me.
Xander: What?
Buffy: Tell them not to shout at me.
Xander: Buffy, I am not going to shout at your mum.
Buffy (raising her voice slightly): So, it's three against one is it Xander... Thanks.
Joyce: Don't shout at him.
Buffy just gave her an angry glare.
Buffy: I can speak to him how I want.
Joyce: No you can't, he's you're friend.
Buffy: Exactly, MY friend. I can speak to him how I want. And will if he's going to side against me.
Xander: Buff, I'm not against you.... I'm not against them either.
Buffy: Pick Xander, you can't remain neutral forever.
Xander: I opt for a hippie/cowards way out.
Buffy: Choose.
Xander: I have Switzerlandish blood...
Buffy: Now
Xander: Right now I opt for lunch at MacDonalds... Bye.
Everyone: Sit.
Giles: Yes, your involved now.
Buffy: So who.
Xander: Right now, I'm with them... Your acting childish.
Buffy narrowed her eyes.
Xander: But a good childish... a very sweet, brilliant childish... Your beautiful?
Buffy: Go get lunch Xander.
Xander was about to go, but was stopped by Joyce.
Joyce: No stay.
Xander: But Buffy just said....
Buffy (To Xander): This doesn't involve you.
Xander: But Giles just said...
Buffy: Okay stay, and side against me.
Xander: You haven't even heard them out yet.
Giles: Very true. I think you should hear us out Buffy.
Buffy: Okay then speak.
Giles: In front of Xander.
Buffy looked to Xander, and then to Giles and Joyce.
Joyce: Xander, could you go check up on Dawn.
Xander looked at everyone, to see if he should.
Xander: But I was...
Xander realised now was his chance to get out of there, without angering anyone.
Xander: So it's unanimous. Xander goes?
Buffy: Yep
Joyce: Yes.
Giles: Correct.
Xander: Just checking.
And with that he quickly darted up the stairs, towards Dawns room. He knocked twice on the door before entering.
Xander: Hey Dawn, what's up.
Dawn: Nothing much just writing in my diary bout my dream guy.
Xander: Dream guy huh? Who's he? Can I see?
Dawn: Nope
Xander: Why not?
Dawn: Because it's private.
Xander: So what's he like then, this dream guy?
Dawn: Amazing, wonderful, handsome, and completely blind to me.
Xander: Sounds like Buffy to me... well replace handsome with beautiful
Really, I'd have though you'd be fending them off with a pointy stick.
Dawn sighing: Nope. Fraid not.
Xander: Tell you what, to commiserate this jerks loss, how bout you, me, movie fest?
Dawn: Sounds good... But he's not a jerk.
Xander: So, do you know about.
Xander signalled towards the door trying to point to where Giles and Joyce would be, which was pretty difficult considering they were downstairs, and behind a wall.
Dawn: Yep, I'm pretty key'd up on walls.
Xander: No, do you know about.
Xander tried again, trying to signal that he meant the people downstairs, but ended up pointing to the floor.
Dawn: I'm also well informed on floors.
Xander: Do you know about Giles and your mum?
Dawn: Uh huh.
Dawn walked over, and joined Xander in listening to any sign of life downstairs. Both with their ears pressed against the door.
Xander: No sound... that's a good sign right? means there talking like rational adults.
Dawn: Or Buffy's killed them.
Xander looked worried for a moment.
Xander: Do you think we should go down there?
Dawn: And risk getting caught in the crossfire. I don't think so.
Xander: Your right. So, G-man and your mum huh?
How comes I'm the only one that doesn't get a Summers girl
Dawn: You can have me
Xander: Wha... Oh god, did I say that out loud?
Dawn smiled sweetly "Yep".
Xander: Oh... I never... meant... I... Um busted
Dawn: Busted.
Xander: I um..
Dawn grinned at him, enjoying her little power over him.
Dawn: Yep, 'you um' what?
Xander: I....???
Dawn: If your that desperate for a Summers girl you can have me.
Xander: Okay, let me rephrase that. How come I'm the only one that doesn't get a Summers girl, unless I break the law?
Dawn: Cause my sisters as blind as you are.
Xander: Who said anything about you're sister? Not me.
Dawn: Oh please, it's so obvious it's not even funny.
Xander: It is?
Dawn: Yep, but she's so blind to you.
Xander thought about this, it was the same speech he gave to Buffy when he was majorly bitter over her choosing Angel over him, and was trying to get her to really see him. And here was Dawn telling him the same thing, or very similar too. Then something inside him clicked.
Xander: Oh god... Dawn I'm not... Am I... I'm sorry... sometimes I can miss peoples feelings, I done the same thing with Willow... You know that...
Xander was saved from giving a 'only friends' speech by Dawn.
Dawn: Yeah, I know... Buffys already had a long chat with me about the age difference... Although coming from someone that dated a 200 year old corpse...
Xander: Yeah, but that wasn't the greatest relationship in the world... You should listen to her. She knows first hand.
Xander was going to continue with a long speech, but was called by Buffy.
He opened the door and began to venture wearily down the stairs.
Dawn called out from her room "Don't forget that movie fest."
Xander: Wouldn't dream of it.
END 2
***
Chapter the first
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***
Buffy stood nervously in her living room. The house was completely empty, which only added to her worries. It meant there was no distractions whatsoever. She was completely alone with her thoughts. All of which revolved round the earlier phone conversation with Giles. He had sounded so worried, so nervous, and it's his state of mind had been passed onto her. He was after all her watcher, and so would no doubt hold some influence over her. His whole mannor on the phone gave her a sense of dejavoo, last time he had been this worried was when he had found out about the prophecy of her death. And it terrified her.
She had tried everything to take her mind over what he wanted to see her about, because thinking about it always led to the same conclusion. Another prophecy. It all seemed to fit, she had had her time, 20 years old was ancient for a slayer, she had survived once. No, she had survived a thousand times. But this could be her time. She tried to take her mind off of it, but couldn't.
She decided to turn to the only person who had been able to help her during her last prophecy, picking up the phone, she dialled Xanders number.
"Xan... Yeah I'm fine"
how does he always know when I'm in trouble.
"No it's just... Yeah, could you. See you in a while... No let Will do what she had planned."
He'll make sure it's all right
***
***
After what seemed like hours, Xander finally pulled up in his brand new (Note(1): brand new to him) second hand car (Note(2): Now you see why note one was important), though she didn't see him pull up, she knew it was him, the sound was so characteristic, as it drove the engine made thumping noises, and when it stopped there would be a high pitched whistle before it conked out. (Yes, the car is based on mine; the stupid piece of crap). Buffy leapt up, and ran to the door, opening it before Xander even had time to ring the door bill.
Xander: Whoa, easy with the door there Buff... Don't forget that slayer strength.
Buffy: Sorry
Xander: Well it's not me you should be sorry with, but inanimate objects such as doors, tables and Riley Finns. You don't want to be called 'Buffy the inanimate object slayer' do you, it just doesn't have the same ring to it.
Buffy grinned at him.
Buffy: Xander, Riley left months ago. I can't believe you're still ridiculing him.
Xander: It's good, see it shows I can keep focused on a task for long periods of time. It's one of my better traits.
Buffy: Yep, don't ever change Xan.
Xander: You liked that huh? Well you should see some of the material I still have on Angel, and that was years back.
Xander stepped into the door, which in any other town would be rude, but in Sunnydale is standard procedure, at least for the smart... which actually meant it wasn't standard procedure, because the 'smart' bit ruled out a good 90% of Sunnydales population comprised of the stupid, the ignorant, and the naive.
Xander: So are you gonna tell me what's up, or am I gonna have to bribe you.
Buffy: Well I was gonna just tell you, but now you mention bribery I can't help myself.
Xander: Once a criminal, always a criminal. Now you can add bribery to your long, long list of crimes.
Buffy: All of which I was cleared for by the way.
Xander: Even the demoncide?
Buffy: No, not that... But it's pending decision.
Xander: I get ya, can't prosecute if there are no witnesses.
Buffy: Exactly... No what does this bribery consist of?
Xander: You, Me, hot sweaty...
Buffy: Don't even finish that sentence.
Xander: What, I was going to say training... I was going to let you beat me up, cause we both no Giles is past it.
Buffy: Sure you was.
Xander: Okay, you caught me. I can't stop thinking about hot, sweaty karate sessions... I was going to take up self defence classes.
Buffy thought about this seriously.
Buffy: You know Xand, if you're going to keep diving into all these battles we have, it might not be a bad idea to learn to fight.
Xander looked horrified, his eyes widened, and his skin palled considerably. If he hadn't crossed the threshold without an invite, Buffy would have thought he was a vampire.
Xander: Self... defence... classes?
Buffy nodded.
Xander: Self defence classes?
Buffy: Yeah, I was thinking ninjitsu, or Kung-Fu, or Tai boxing.
Xander: Tai... Boxing... Ninjitsu.
Buffy nodded again, trying to keep her face serious.
Buffy: No that we've covered what you're going to do, what do you think.
Xander: We are talking about the same things here... self defence classes where people puch, and hit, and kick?
Buffy: Or you could really take Giles place in training with me.
Xander (all to quickly): Kung-Fu it is then.
Buffy: Good, and when you get better, then you can help me train.
Xander: Okay, is there anyway I can win here.
Buffy thought it was time to let Xander off the hook. That would teach him for all the sexual innuendo he made about them... But did she really want him to stop... After all, it made her feel sexy. He made her feel sexy. No, she didn't want it to stop... She was just teasing him.
She began walking over to the couch signalling Xander to go with her.
Buffy: Relax Xan. I was kidding about the self defence lessons. I know thats not your thing.
Xander seemed relieved, that he didn't have to do the karate, letting out a breath he had been holding in, and noticeably relaxing a bit. But then actually registered what she had actually said.
Xander: Hey... I take offence to that. I just so happens that I would make a good ninja.
At that exact moment Xander tripped over a discarded bucket which had been left in the middle of the room, falling ungraciously, and noisily to the floor, landing flat on his arse.
Xander: Ow, stupid bucket.
Buffy: You know ninjas are supposed to be stealthy?
Xander: Hey, even Angel would have fallen over that thing. It's a death trap.
Buffy: It's a bucket.
Xander: It almost killed me, therefore it's a death trap.
Buffy: I'll tell my mum to put out a skull and crossbones sign next time.
Xander scooted over to where Buffy was sitting, looking into her grinning face, and her lively eyes. There was something wrong. He could always tell when there was something wrong with her. Her eyes gave her away, whenever she was worried they would show it. He sat next to her, ready to be the comforting friend he always was. Never expecting anything more.
Xander: Wanna tell me what's wrong.
Buffy looked straight back into his eyes. Green locked against brown. Both looking deep into each other.
Several thoughts ran through her head
Wow, I had actually forgotten all about it for five whole minutes
How does he always know
Buffy: Well... Wait, I'm still waiting for my payment.
Xander: I can pay cash.
Buffy: How much you have on you
Xander: Well I have a grand total of...
Dipping his hands in his pocket pulling out a few coins, and some notes.
Xander:... Two dollars... and a penny... Paper money
He flexed the dollar notes like a child would to emphasis his point of 'real paper money'.
Buffy: Which I will take
Xander: ...and a chocolate bar... Wow. I didn't know I had that
He quickly opened the packet, and stuffed half the chocolate bar in his mouth, chewing noisilly on the yummy treat.
Buffy: Ewww, Xander, how long has that been in there.
Xander: I dunno, three, four weeks.
Buffy: That's disgusting.
Xander: No, no, it's clean, it's been in the wash... Twice infact.
Buffy made a disgusted face.
Xander offered her the other half of the chocolate which Buffy frantically tried to push away from her, and out of her space.
Xander: You sure... Tastes like washing powder.
Buffy shook her head.
Buffy: I'll think I'll pass.
Xander looked at her, trying to convince her to take it.
Xander: You sure... I don't offer my chocolate to just anyone... Last chance, going once, going twice. Too bad, all the more chocolaty goodness for me. He stuffed the remaining chocolate in his mouth, and gave Buffy the two dollars.
Xander: Ha hoo gon tell he hots wong?
Buffy: Will you finish your food before you speak... You eat like an animal.
Xander swallowed the remaining chocolate bar.
Xander: Are you my mother? I don't think so, I'll eat how I want to eat, and if you don't like it, you should have taken the chocolate bar.
Buffy:
Xander: So what's wrong Buff. Why'd ya call me over.
Buffy sighed, before she told him.
Buffy: Well Giles phoned this morning.
Xander was going to interrupt, making a joke about it, but decided against it. Buffy was going to tell him what was wrong, and then he would make it better. She didn't need him interrupting.
Buffy: He seemed, so... worried... so on edge.
Xander: Giles is always up tight... He's British, it's what the do. (Authors note: We do not. It's all lies made up by hippies and druggies, cause everyone's uptight compared to them.)
Buffy: No, this was different. This was... I dunno. He just seemed so... Like when I was prophesised to die.
Xander looked shocked. He didn't even want to think about that. He still feared that day, it still haunted his memories. And he wouldn't even entertain another day like that. Buffy couldn't die now. She'd lived too long. He wouldn't let it happen.
Xander: Buff, I don't think it's that. I really don't, it would be too evil. Once, it happened. But no way twice. And if it is, we'll get through it, just like last time. I wouldn't let anything happen to you then, and I won't let it happen to you now. But I really, really don't think it is Buff.
Buffy: So you just think it's something else... Like me being paranoid?
Xander: We'll yes... No... Is there a correct answer to this? No I don't think you're paranoid. Yes I do think it's something else.
Buffy: Like what?
Xander: Like I dunno... Maybe Giles is dating you're mum.
Buffy smiled, more then smiled, she was almost giggling at the thought of Giles having a life, of Giles dating... Her mother. Her giggling stopped. She hit Xander lightly, on the arm, lightly for a slayer that is, the blow sent flying to the floor, lying in a heap on the ground.
Buffy quickly jumped to her feet to go to him.
Buffy: Xander, Xander, are you all right?
Xander: I think I'm dying.
Buffy: Serves you right. It's not fun to remind me of that magic candy incident. Making me think of Giles and my Mum... Ewww.
Xander: But it cheered you up... My work here is done... I must go save another damsel in distress.
Buffy: That would suit you wouldn't it Xan being a super hero
Xander nodded eagerly.
Buffy: Beating the bad guys?
Xander nodded again. A little more exitidly then last time.
Buffy: ... saving helpless women?
Xander: Yes.
Buffy: Always getting the girl?
Xander: Double yes.
Buffy: Who is always so hot and bothered, and so adamant about repaying the superhero in whatever way he so chooses?
Xanders answered continued to become increasingly spirited
Xander: Yes, yes, and yes again.
Buffy: Wearing tights, and having a gay sidekick?
Xander: God Yes.... I mean No...
Buffy cracked up laughing
Xander: Hey, that wasn't fair... You tricked me... Hey, I am a manly man, I would never ever wear tights... except when I'm cross dressing, but that's all business... Hey stop laughing at me
Buffy just continued laughing, for the first time in that day se felt good. She felt as if nothing could go wrong. Xander had dispelled her fears about what Giles had wanted to talk to her about. She had been right to call Xander. He was probably the only person who could make her feel better when she was in a hole. She had had a choice between Willow, Dawn, Spike?? and Xander. And she stood by her decision.
Good call
Nothing could go wrong.
A very important lesson was learned that day.
Never, ever, ever, in a million years, in any way whatsoever jinx yourself.
***
***
Chapter the second
***
***
Giles chose that moment to enter the house. And the fact he had gotten in suggested something was wrong. For a start it wasn't his house. And secondly, he didn't have a key.
Following closely behind him, very closely behind him, so close behind him infact, that if they were physically closer, they would be the same person. Hand in hand, was her mother.
Dawn followed them in, and quickly went to her room, out of harms way from the blood bath that would follow.
Buffy looked completely dazed, not quite taking it all in, then she looked angrily at Xander, who whispered back to her.
Xander: I didn't know... I'm gone.
Buffy answered dominantly
Buffy: Sit down Xander.
Giles and Joyce nervously sat down in front of Buffy.
Giles looked from Xander, to Buffy before speaking, or squeaking. He was so nervous he had no voice with which to speak. He had to cough a few times to get out what he had to say, and even then it was, fragmented.
Giles: Buffy, I (cough)... thought (cough)... I wanted to talk to you alone.... I though I asked only you be here.
Buffy: What's this, you've become a hypocrite all of a sudden. I see you brought a partner.
Giles: ...I...
Xander: I'm out of here. See you all...
Buffy: Sit.
Giles: Xander go.
Buffy: Sit down now.
Joyce(to Xander): We need to speak to Buffy alone.
Buffy: Stay.
Giles & Joyce: Go
Xander: Observe the human yo-yo.
Giles: Will you be serious for a moment.
Buffy (angrily To Giles): Don't shout at him.
Joyce: Don't speak to Rupert in that tone.
All eyes fell on Xander. Who sat there nervously. He fidgeted under there watchful eyes.
Xander: What?
Buffy: It's your turn.
Xander: My turn to what?
Buffy got a little angrier
Buffy: To defend me.
Xander: What?
Buffy: Tell them not to shout at me.
Xander: Buffy, I am not going to shout at your mum.
Buffy (raising her voice slightly): So, it's three against one is it Xander... Thanks.
Joyce: Don't shout at him.
Buffy just gave her an angry glare.
Buffy: I can speak to him how I want.
Joyce: No you can't, he's you're friend.
Buffy: Exactly, MY friend. I can speak to him how I want. And will if he's going to side against me.
Xander: Buff, I'm not against you.... I'm not against them either.
Buffy: Pick Xander, you can't remain neutral forever.
Xander: I opt for a hippie/cowards way out.
Buffy: Choose.
Xander: I have Switzerlandish blood...
Buffy: Now
Xander: Right now I opt for lunch at MacDonalds... Bye.
Everyone: Sit.
Giles: Yes, your involved now.
Buffy: So who.
Xander: Right now, I'm with them... Your acting childish.
Buffy narrowed her eyes.
Xander: But a good childish... a very sweet, brilliant childish... Your beautiful?
Buffy: Go get lunch Xander.
Xander was about to go, but was stopped by Joyce.
Joyce: No stay.
Xander: But Buffy just said....
Buffy (To Xander): This doesn't involve you.
Xander: But Giles just said...
Buffy: Okay stay, and side against me.
Xander: You haven't even heard them out yet.
Giles: Very true. I think you should hear us out Buffy.
Buffy: Okay then speak.
Giles: In front of Xander.
Buffy looked to Xander, and then to Giles and Joyce.
Joyce: Xander, could you go check up on Dawn.
Xander looked at everyone, to see if he should.
Xander: But I was...
Xander realised now was his chance to get out of there, without angering anyone.
Xander: So it's unanimous. Xander goes?
Buffy: Yep
Joyce: Yes.
Giles: Correct.
Xander: Just checking.
And with that he quickly darted up the stairs, towards Dawns room. He knocked twice on the door before entering.
Xander: Hey Dawn, what's up.
Dawn: Nothing much just writing in my diary bout my dream guy.
Xander: Dream guy huh? Who's he? Can I see?
Dawn: Nope
Xander: Why not?
Dawn: Because it's private.
Xander: So what's he like then, this dream guy?
Dawn: Amazing, wonderful, handsome, and completely blind to me.
Xander: Sounds like Buffy to me... well replace handsome with beautiful
Really, I'd have though you'd be fending them off with a pointy stick.
Dawn sighing: Nope. Fraid not.
Xander: Tell you what, to commiserate this jerks loss, how bout you, me, movie fest?
Dawn: Sounds good... But he's not a jerk.
Xander: So, do you know about.
Xander signalled towards the door trying to point to where Giles and Joyce would be, which was pretty difficult considering they were downstairs, and behind a wall.
Dawn: Yep, I'm pretty key'd up on walls.
Xander: No, do you know about.
Xander tried again, trying to signal that he meant the people downstairs, but ended up pointing to the floor.
Dawn: I'm also well informed on floors.
Xander: Do you know about Giles and your mum?
Dawn: Uh huh.
Dawn walked over, and joined Xander in listening to any sign of life downstairs. Both with their ears pressed against the door.
Xander: No sound... that's a good sign right? means there talking like rational adults.
Dawn: Or Buffy's killed them.
Xander looked worried for a moment.
Xander: Do you think we should go down there?
Dawn: And risk getting caught in the crossfire. I don't think so.
Xander: Your right. So, G-man and your mum huh?
How comes I'm the only one that doesn't get a Summers girl
Dawn: You can have me
Xander: Wha... Oh god, did I say that out loud?
Dawn smiled sweetly "Yep".
Xander: Oh... I never... meant... I... Um busted
Dawn: Busted.
Xander: I um..
Dawn grinned at him, enjoying her little power over him.
Dawn: Yep, 'you um' what?
Xander: I....???
Dawn: If your that desperate for a Summers girl you can have me.
Xander: Okay, let me rephrase that. How come I'm the only one that doesn't get a Summers girl, unless I break the law?
Dawn: Cause my sisters as blind as you are.
Xander: Who said anything about you're sister? Not me.
Dawn: Oh please, it's so obvious it's not even funny.
Xander: It is?
Dawn: Yep, but she's so blind to you.
Xander thought about this, it was the same speech he gave to Buffy when he was majorly bitter over her choosing Angel over him, and was trying to get her to really see him. And here was Dawn telling him the same thing, or very similar too. Then something inside him clicked.
Xander: Oh god... Dawn I'm not... Am I... I'm sorry... sometimes I can miss peoples feelings, I done the same thing with Willow... You know that...
Xander was saved from giving a 'only friends' speech by Dawn.
Dawn: Yeah, I know... Buffys already had a long chat with me about the age difference... Although coming from someone that dated a 200 year old corpse...
Xander: Yeah, but that wasn't the greatest relationship in the world... You should listen to her. She knows first hand.
Xander was going to continue with a long speech, but was called by Buffy.
He opened the door and began to venture wearily down the stairs.
Dawn called out from her room "Don't forget that movie fest."
Xander: Wouldn't dream of it.
END 2